Adults and Athletes Common Problems Dr. Kneebone has the most advanced treatments for all the following problems.   Achilles Tendinitis An overuse injury which involves some degree of tear in the tendon or at the tendon heelbone interface. It may involve muscle, the tendon sheath and may have calcific/bony fragment involvement. Ankle Sprain In this acute injury, ligament(s) on the outside of the ankle are torn. Athletes Foot Fungal organisms invade the skin. This may cause skin scaling, blisters and itching. There are different forms of the condition. For example, interdigital (between the toes), there is a mocossin-distributed dry scaly form and more severe forms. Bunions Manifests as pain in and around the big toe joint area usually associated with a bony prominence and caused by mechanical imbalance. Fungal Toenails (Onychomycosis) Fungal organisms invade the nail causing, among other things, deformity, discoloration, odor and unsightliness. Hammertoes Usually caused by a muscle imbalance. The toe becomes contracted, prominent and may rub on the shoe resulting in a painful "corn". Neuroma (Morton's neuroma) Also usually categorized as an overuse injury, this condition is caused by repetitive compression of the nerves in the ball of the foot that serve the toes. Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Spur Syndrome An overuse injury involving excessive pull on the plantar fascia (the "ligament" of the arch). Shin Splints An overuse injury. In this case, it is an excessive pull at the interface between the muscle and periosteum (the fiberous covering of the bone). Stress Fracture (march fracture) An overuse injury. Usually describes a hairline fracture in the forefoot not visible on X-ray.